AnalogicTech announced the AAT1160, a synchronous step-down DC/DC converter delivering up to 3A output from a 12V input. Combining high power efficiency levels and a 150 microampere quiescent current, the AAT1160 offers power savings in a variety of industrial applications, especially those using backplanes, as well as portable systems running off two-cell Lithium-ion batteries. The DC/DC converter operates across a wide 4V to 13.2V input voltage range. It supplies a load current up to 3A with a fixed or adjustable output voltage which can be regulated to as low as 0.6V. The device supports efficiency levels up to 96%. The user can select to operate the device in a forced Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) mode and synchronize the switching to an external signal to control switching noise. The 800 kHz switching frequency also minimizes total solution size.

A soft start function limits input surge current and eliminates output voltage overshoot when the device is turned on. The AAT1160 also features short-circuit and over-temperature protection. Qualified across the -40 C to +85 C temperature range, the AAT1160 is available in a Pb-free, 16-pin 3 mm X 4 mm TDFN package. It sells for $1.82 in 1K quantities.